Dance style
Classical ballet training with Australia's most storied school
Croft Gilchrist School of Dancing has taught classical ballet in Townsville since 1971, with Principal Robyn Croft bringing first-hand professional career experience as a foundation member of The Australian Ballet and former dancer at London's Royal Ballet. Every level of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus is covered, from pre-primary and primary through to the vocational grades and Pointe work.
Why ballet is the foundation of dance
Ballet is the technical core of almost every Western dance form. It's the reason professional jazz, contemporary and even hip hop dancers continue weekly ballet classes throughout their careers. At Croft Gilchrist, our RAD syllabus training builds strength, posture, alignment, musicality and discipline that carries over into every other discipline your child (or you) eventually explores.
Our studios at 36 French St, Pimlico are purpose-built for safe dance training with professional sprung timber floors, full-length mirrors and barres.
Ballet levels taught at Croft Gilchrist
Students progress through the RAD levels as their strength, age and technique allow:
- Tiny Tots / Dance with Me (ages 2–4, with a parent or carer) — play-based ballet fundamentals with a focus on rhythm and musicality.
- Pre-Primary and Primary in Dance (PPiD) (ages 4–7) — structured RAD syllabus entry level.
- Graded ballet (Grades 1–8) — the RAD progressive syllabus covering barre, centre and enchainement work. Character development is incorporated at each grade.
- Vocational ballet — Intermediate Foundation, Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1 and Advanced 2. Includes Pointe work for female dancers and specific male-class coaching.
- Adult ballet — beginner and advanced adult classes for fitness, posture, or returning to dance after years away. Three sessions weekly.
RAD examinations and Performance Awards
Every student studying graded or vocational ballet is entered for formal RAD examinations with an external examiner. The Performance Awards allow students who prefer not to sit exams to still perform and be assessed. Our teachers prepare each candidate thoroughly so examinations feel like a celebration rather than a trial.
When and where do ballet classes run?
Classes run Monday to Saturday with graded and vocational sessions across our three studios. Saturday mornings include tiny-tots, primary and junior graded ballet; weekday afternoons extend through the higher grades and adult sessions. See the full timetable for exact times.
Frequently asked questions about ballet classes
What age can my child start ballet?
From 2 years old in our Tiny Tots/Dance with Me class, and from 4 years old in the structured RAD PPiD ballet program. Most children join somewhere between 4 and 7 to begin their formal training.
Do I need Pointe shoes?
Not until you reach vocational-level ballet and your teacher assesses that your feet, ankle strength, and training are ready. Pointe work is only introduced once safety criteria are met; otherwise we take you through graded work in canvas ballet shoes.
What should I wear to my first ballet class?
For a trial, comfortable clothes that allow free movement are fine (leggings and a fitted top). Once enrolled, our school has a formal uniform — a ballet leotard with tights and correct ballet shoes — purchased through the on-site Townsville Dancewear Centre.
Are ballet classes for adults too?
Yes. Adult ballet runs Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings with streams for beginner and advanced dancers. Many adults use it as fitness or as a return to a childhood love of dance.
Browse all classes
Looking for a different style? See every class we teach at Croft Gilchrist.
